Responsible Tourism: 5 Ways to Help Bali While Enjoying Your Vacation
Want to enjoy Bali without harming it? Here's how:
- Buy from local shops
- Reduce your environmental impact
- Respect Balinese culture
- Choose responsible tours
- Buy eco-friendly products
By following these tips, you'll have an awesome Bali trip while helping preserve its beauty and culture for future visitors.
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How Tourism Affects Bali
Bali's tourism boom is a mixed bag. It's bringing cash and jobs, but also some big problems.
Money Matters:
Tourism's creating jobs left and right. Locals and other Indonesians are flocking to tourist spots for work. Tourists are spending on food, drinks, and souvenirs, pumping cash into the local economy.
But there's a catch. Prices are going up, making it tough for locals to afford basics like housing and food.
Nature's Taking a Hit:
Hotels are guzzling water like there's no tomorrow. A single four-star hotel room uses 300 liters a day. That's a lot of H2O.
Trash is piling up too. Bali's churning out 4,200 tons of waste daily. Much of it ends up where it shouldn't - in landfills, rivers, or the ocean.
And don't get me started on land use. Every year, 700 hectares of land turn into hotels, fancy homes, or roads.
Culture Clash:
"When capitalism dominates this island, artistic creativity focuses on profit, and Balinese people no longer feel alive and living in Bali." - Professor I Gusti Bagus Rai Utama, Chancellor of Dhyana Pura University
The prof's got a point. The rush for profit is squeezing out traditional arts and practices. Sure, locals are learning about other cultures, but at what cost to their own identity?
Too Many Tourists?
In 2019, Bali saw 6.3 million international visitors. That's more than its 4.2 million locals. Result? Crowded streets, traffic jams, and stretched resources.
"Battling the negative impacts of over-tourism before it's too late will help protect local communities, the environment, and, in the long run, tourists' experience too." - Sandiaga Uno, Minister for Tourism and Creative Economies
What's Being Done?
The government's not sitting idle. They've slapped on a tourism tax to help protect culture and nature. They're also pushing for "quality and sustainable tourism" to tackle overtourism.
As tourists, we can help too. Stick around to learn how to enjoy Bali while giving back to its people and environment.
Buy from Local Shops
Want to boost Bali's economy and snag unique souvenirs? Shop local. It's that simple.
Here's why it matters:
- Local shops employ Balinese people
- Handmade goods keep traditional crafts alive
- Many local products use island materials, cutting transport costs
Where to shop?
Hit up Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud). Open daily 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you'll find wood carvings, stone sculptures, silver-hammered boxes, and Ikat textiles. These come from nearby villages, so your cash goes straight to local communities.
But it's not just about souvenirs. Check out:
- Bali Yoga Shop for locally-made yoga gear
- Sensatia Botanicals for Bali-based skincare
- Zero Waste Bali for eco-friendly local products
Pro tip: Visit artisan villages like Sukawati, Batuan, and Amed. Watch craftspeople at work and buy directly from them.
Local doesn't always mean cheap, but the quality's worth it:
| Item | Price Range (IDR) |
|---|---|
| Balinese masks | 550,000 - 2,000,000+ |
| Painted eggs | 50,000 - 1,500,000+ |
These prices? They reflect hours of skilled work and centuries of tradition.
2. Reduce Your Environmental Impact
Bali's beauty is under threat. Here's how you can help:
Ditch single-use plastics
Bali's waste problem is huge. Your actions matter:
- Bring a reusable water bottle
- Skip plastic straws
- Use cloth bags
Pro tip: Use the RefillMyBottle app to find water refill stations in Bali.
Save water
Bali's water supply is at risk. Do your part:
- Take quick showers (5 minutes max)
- Reuse hotel towels
- Turn off taps when not in use
Choose eco-friendly accommodations
Support hotels that care. FINNS Beach Club, for example, ditches single-use plastics and sorts waste.
Join local clean-up efforts
Get your hands dirty:
- Join Trash Hero Canggu Beach Clean events
- Support Sungai Watch (they've removed 1.5 million kg of plastic from Indonesian waters)
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Protect Bali's marine life. Choose sunscreens without harmful chemicals.
Remember: Small actions add up. Your choices can help preserve Bali's natural beauty for future travelers.
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3. Show Respect for Balinese Culture
Bali's culture is a big deal. Here's how to not mess it up:
Dress right
Cover up. No bare shoulders or knees in temples. Bring a sarong or rent one. And in Ubud? Leave the crop tops at home.
Mind your manners
Use your right hand for giving and taking. And always take off your shoes in homes and temples.
Learn some lingo
Try the Sembah salute: hands together at your chest. Call older folks 'Pak' (men) or 'Ibu' (women).
Religion matters
Don't step on those little flower offerings. Ask before snapping pics in temples. If you're invited to a ceremony, be cool about it.
"Following these guidelines will definitely make your trip much easier and more fun." - Western Union Blog
Keep it chill
Balinese folks like things calm. So no PDA or losing your cool in public.
Remember: respecting local culture isn't just polite - it's your ticket to a better Bali experience.
4. Choose Responsible Tours and Activities
Want to explore Bali without harming it? Here's how to pick tours that help the island and its people:
Go local and small
Pick Balinese-run tours. Small groups? Better experience, less environmental impact.
Eco-friendly options
Many Bali tour companies now prioritize nature. EcoTours Bali, for example, supports local communities and protects the environment.
Hands-on experiences
Try these:
- Ubud cooking class at an organic farm (5 hours, Rp 537,000)
- Release baby turtles at Bali Turtle Conservation in Serangan
Skip harmful activities
Avoid:
- ATV tours (damage trails)
- Elephant rides (harm animals)
Culture-focused tours
Learn about Balinese life. You'll understand the island better and often support locals directly.
Good tour options:
| Tour | Location | Duration | Price (Rp) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance | Uluwatu | 1 hour | 150,000 |
| Ubud Monkey Forest | Ubud | 2 hours | 266,000 |
| Snorkel With Manta Rays | Nusa Penida | 10 hours | 1,027,000 |
| Downhill Bike Tour | Kintamani | 6 hours | 613,560 |
The best tours? They teach you something new, respect Bali's nature and culture, and give back to locals.
"These activities offer a deeper look into the island's biodiversity and conservation efforts." - Lukas Berger, Author
5. Buy Eco-Friendly Products
Shopping in Bali? Here's how to pick items that help the island and its people:
Go local and natural
Bali's shops are big on eco-friendly goods. They use local materials and support small producers.
Check out:
- Bali Yoga Shop: Local yoga wear that cuts waste and boosts the economy.
- Zero Waste Bali: Bali's first bulk food store. 200+ products, no packaging.
- Sensatia Botanicals: Natural soaps and skincare. Profit-sharing since 2000.
Smart souvenirs
Want a memento? Try:
- Rattan bags: Hand-woven, stylish, eco-friendly. From IDR 100,000.
- Local handicrafts: Woven baskets and hand-carved wood items.
Where to shop
- Markets: Pasar Badung and Pasar Kereneng for sustainable goods.
-
Eco-stores:
- Kynd Community: Reusable cups and bamboo straws.
- Utama Spice: Natural skincare with Balinese herbs.
Eco-shopping tips
- Bring your own container to bulk stores.
- Check for recycled or upcycled products.
- Ask if items are made locally.
- Look for fair working conditions.
Eco-friendly Bali brands
| Brand | Products | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Ananda Soul | Jewelry | Recycled silver |
| Avani | Disposables | Biodegrades in 3-6 months |
| Indosole | Footwear | Soles from old scooter tires |
| Chic Made Consciously | Accessories | Made from tire tubes |
Buying eco-friendly in Bali? You're helping the environment AND supporting local artisans. It's a win-win.
Wrap-Up
Here's how to be a responsible tourist in Bali:
- Buy Local: Eat at warungs for as little as Rp 35k ($2) per meal. Support Balinese artisans.
- Go Green: Bring a reusable water bottle. Skip straws. Follow "Leave No Trace" principles.
- Respect Culture: Learn basic phrases like "Selamat Pagi" (Good morning). Dress modestly at temples.
- Choose Wisely: Pick eco-friendly tours with local guides. Avoid animal exploitation.
- Shop Smart: Use reef-safe sunscreen. Consider brands like Ocean Soul Bali that give back to local charities.